Yes / As the economy becomes more reliant on innovative, knowledge-intensive firms, understanding the interaction between knowledge and improving innovation performance is increasingly important. Despite the majority of UK businesses being micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (micro/SMEs), knowledge management research has tended to focus on large companies, and the findings may not be applicable to micro/SMEs, especially in the creative sector. Moreover, the important role played by knowledge sharing in innovation can be critical to successful performance for smaller players in the creative sector where resources are limited. Our study presents an insight from micro/SMEs operating in a highly knowledge-intensive and innovative creative industry - games/entertainment software development. Using a mixed method approach, we investigate knowledge sharing and its contribution to firm innovation performance improvements. Our findings suggest that micro/SMEs are at the forefront in the creative sector precisely because of their smaller size. Our study reveals evidence of knowledge donation but limited evidence of knowledge collection in the knowledge sharing process in micro/SMEs. We develop a knowledge sharing model for innovation performance improvement in micro/SMEs. This highlights the importance of industry context, individual knowledge and organisational size in the role of knowledge sharing in innovation performance.

Yes / This study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of Cloud Computing Utilization (CCU) in the mitigation of informational and marketing barriers for SMEs from the Emerging Market-Countries (EM-SMEs). A quantitative-research methodology was applied to collect data by using self-administered questionnaires from top managers of 227 SMEs based in Iran and Turkey. The study contributes theoretically to both small business and international business literature by developing a new classification of the internationalization barriers that EM-SMEs face, and proposing a series of cloud computing (CC) solutions for mitigating these barriers, resulting in the creation and testing of a new model. The empirical findings confirm that CCU can help EM-SMEs to mitigate a series of informational and marketing barriers. The key practical contributions of the study offer insights to both EM-SMEs and Cloud-Service-Providers (CSPs) on the extent to which CCU is effective in mitigating the internationalization barriers faced by EM-SMEs.

Yes / This paper draws on resource dependency theory to examine the impact of interfirm collaboration on CSR expenditure. In addition, we examine entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as a moderator of the relationship between interfirm collaboration and CSR expenditure. We test our research model using survey data from 230 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. Results from our empirical analyses reveal that interfirm collaboration positively impacts CSR expenditure and this relationship is strengthened when entrepreneurial orientation is greater in turbulent environments. Implications for theory and practice are discussed. / University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Yes / This article investigates the impact of environmental collaboration on sustainable innovation and its impact on firm growth. The hypotheses are tested using data from 455 small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The findings from the study show that environmental collaboration positively relates to sustainable innovation and this relationship is moderated by environmental commitment. The results also show that sustainable innovation is positively associated with SME growth. Finally, the results suggest that sustainable innovation mediates the environmental collaboration‐SME growth relationship. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.

Yes / This paper uses insights from the natural resource-based view (NRBV) to examine the conditions under which proactive environmental strategy (PES) drive firm performance. Using data collected from 266 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Ghana, the results suggest that the impact of PES on firm performance is more pronounced in firms that do not purse bottom of the pyramid (BOP) orientation but not significant for firms pursuing the BOP orientation. Besides, the findings show that the influence of PES on firm performance is amplified for firms adopting imitation orientation but not significant for non-imitation oriented firms. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Yes / The linear economic business model was deemed unsustainable, necessitating the emergence of the circular economy (CE) business model. Due to resource scarcity, increasing population, and high food waste levels, the food sector has been facing significant sustainability challenges. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those in the food sector, are making efforts to become more sustainable and to adopt new business models such as the CE, but adoption rates remain low. Industry 4.0 and its associated technological applications have the potential to enable CE implementation and boost business competitiveness. In the context of emerging economies facing significant resource scarcity constraints and limited technology availability, CE principles need to be adapted. CE could create a new job economy in emerging economies, bringing scale and a competitive advantage. This study explores the enablers of and barriers to Industry 4.0 adoption for CE implementation in fruit and vegetable SMEs in India from a resource-based perspective. The purpose is to develop an evidence-based framework to help inform theory and practice about CE implementation by SMEs in emerging economies. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in food SMEs. The interview transcripts were first subjected to thematic analysis. The analysis was then complemented with sentiment and emotion analyses. Subsequently, hierarchical cluster analysis, k-means analysis, and linear projection analysis were performed. Among others, the findings suggest that Industry 4.0 plays a key role in implementing CE in SMEs in emerging economies such as India. However, there are specific enablers and barriers that need to be considered by SMEs to develop the resources and capabilities needed for CE competitive advantage.

This thesis studies the adjustments and adaptations in the International Key Account Management (IKAM) strategies of Swedish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in recent worldwide geopolitical tensions and crisis conditions towards their suppliers (Key Accounts). The tensions have sharply shifted the world economy, supply chains, and international business relations. Since SMEs form the majority of the Swedish economy, a large proportion of the focus of these SMEs is on international trade; hence, understanding the strategic responses to these challenges is essential.  The study will be conducted through a qualitative multiple-case method, featuring six business cases with different backgrounds who possess broad experience and knowledge in international trade and IKAM. The interviews will allow the research to further understand the challenges and adaptations that have been made when managing supplier relationships during crises outside of the theoretical. Through semi-structured interviews, the research will provide key factors that have affected the IKAM strategies, showcasing the importance of strategic flexibility, adaptability, and proactiveness when dealing with crisis management.  Key findings indicate that, over time, SMEs will need to become more strategically flexible, adaptable, and proactive when applying IKAM practices. Notable adjustments are the reshoring of production closer to Sweden, the diversification of the supplier base to reduce risks, and increasing preparedness for crises by giving more emphasis to communication and relationship management. The dynamic capabilities needed to assure organizational resilience are emphasized in the presented study. The conclusions developed are subject to the dynamic nature of IKAM practices vis-à-vis global uncertainties and, therefore, it provides actionable insights beneficial for Swedish SMEs to navigate future crises more effectively. As such, the current insights have added new dimensions not only to theoretical but also practical learning and have provided invaluable implications for increasing the resiliency and sustainability of SMEs in the international business environment.

Tourism is an industry that makes important contributions to the Sri Lanakan economy. Thelong-term survival of this industry depends on the longevity of natural resources and thebeauty of the environment. Today, the tourism industry is impacting the naturalenvironment negatively. The concept of circular economy is gaining global attention assustainable alternative to traditional economic practice. Through qualitative approach, thisthesis investigates how the Sri Lanka tourism industry can adopt a circular business modelto mitigate its negative impacts. The methodology utilized semi-structured interviews withfive business personalities involved in hotel and accommodation sectors listed undercategory of small and medium-sized business.  The study first examined the awareness and perceptions of the circular business modelconcept among tourism SMEs in Sri Lanka. This is a step was extremely important, asawareness is a fundamental prerequisite for adopting more sustainable practices. Theresearch investigated the current level of understanding and knowledge about circularbusiness model concepts within these small and medium-sized enterprises. This exploredhow tourism businesses in Sri Lanka currently view the circular model whether they see itas a practical, beneficial approach or faced concerns and lack knowledge.  Next, under Opportunities and Challenges the study explored the key opportunities andchallenges that either enable or challenge the transition towards circular business models.On the opportunity side, the research examined factors that could facilitate and incentivesSMEs to achieve circularity, such as cost savings, improved brand reputation, attractingenvironmentally conscious tourists, and preserving local value chains and resources. Thefindings also highlighted that some SMEs are already employing innovative circularpractices, indicating a readiness to embrace more sustainable operations. Conversely, theresearch could identify several barriers to the widespread adoption of circular practicesamong SMEs. These barriers include limited awareness of circular economy principles,financial constraints, and regulatory challenges.  Finally, the study evaluated on developing practices the effectiveness of any existingbusiness development goals or initiatives related to circular economy strategies within SriLankan tourism SMEs. This involved assessing the current state of circular practices,identifying areas for improvement, and determining the specific types of support andresources needed to help these enterprises successfully adopt and sustain a circular businessmodel.  The thesis suggests several avenues for future research, including road map to achieve fullysustainable circular business model. It also recommends evaluating the effectiveness ofgovernment policies and initiatives in promoting the adoption of circular economyprinciples within the tourism sector and investigating the role of technology and innovationin facilitating the transition to circular business model. Key words – Circular Business Model, Tourism SMEs Sri Lanaka, Sustainability,Resources optimization

Background: The existing body of research on corporate governance has thoroughly investigated the function of external directors in large, publicly traded companies, predominantly from the perspective of agency theory. Nevertheless, research on non-executive directors in SMEs, especially in countries other than the U.S is relatively few. As SMEs encounter unique difficulties as a result of their informal ownership arrangements and reduced legal obligations in comparison to publicly traded firms, it provides an opportunity for further analysis.  Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to explore the influence of contingency factors on external directors. Further, the purpose is to explain the self-perception of external directors’ roles, and therefore be able to scrutinize and validate if external directors perceive to engage in similar roles as identified in the public context.  Method: This study adopts a epistemological positivist stance along with a deductive approach to quantitatively explore and explain how external directors' perceptions of their board role are contingent on certain factors. A survey is used to collect data, where the data is analyzed by employing Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression.  Conclusion: The findings of this thesis suggests that that external directors’ perception of the control, strategic and the combinatory multi-perspective role is affected by ownership, number of external directors in the board, business life cycle and size of firm that could explain variances in the support for these roles. The thesis also found support for both agency theory and RDT, however, the study did not found support for the contingencies developed to explore external directors service role.

This thesis explores the challenges Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face in complying with EU sustainable packaging regulations as they pose ever tightening guidelines to follow. The study respondents are representatives from SMEs operating within the EU, who provided insights through semi-structured interviews. Employing the 7Rs framework—Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle, and Rot—this research investigates how these enterprises adapt their packaging strategies to align with EU directives aimed at achieving 70% recyclable and reusable packaging by 2030. Despite varied challenges such as high costs and diverse regulatory demands across EU states, SMEs demonstrate resilience and innovation in their compliance strategies. environmental impact while maintaining economic viability. Such as an SME transitioning from using plastic packaging to cardboard, driven by both regulatory requirements and carrier fees for non-compliance, which resulted in reduced environmental impact and improved customer satisfaction. This research provides insights into the dynamic interplay between regulatory frameworks and business practices, offering a deeper understanding of sustainability in the packaging industry.